UNGROWNED KING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 294, 10 December 1914, Page 7

UNGROWNED KING.

AN AUSTRALIAN'S TASK. Culonel S. A. Pethobridgn CM G . secretary to the Defence Deoailmont, who has been appointed Australia*. Commissioner in the North-west Parotic, will leave’ Sydney to-day lor the new seat of government, says the Sydney Telegraph of No vein be" 2Sth. He is taking with him Lieutenant Preston as staff officer and secretary.

The appointment of Colonel Pethebridge, who was formerly a commander in the R.A.N.H., is a result of tne projected evacuation by tlie Japanese Government of the Marshall, Caroline, and certain other islands seized by them from Germany, and temporarily occupied. It will be remembered that the Government recently intimated to the imperial Government that it was ready to hand the administration of those islands over to Australia, io this end, a body of, troops, known as the Tropical Force, has been enrolled here. They will be despatched and will remain in occupation of the seized territory until the termination of tinwar, when the ultimate disposal of the islands will be deqided. The seat of administration has no’ yet been chosen, but Colonel Pethe bridge intends to thoroughly examine the islands, with a view to securing a central and convenient headquarters. It is more than probable that Jaluit, in the Marshalls, will eventually be selected. In addition to being in qommand of the troops, the Administrator has been authorised to deal with such matters as trade, food supplies, postal conveniences, and other things necessary to settlement. He will also have authority to make such arrangements as may he necessary with other Powers. In short. Colonel Pethebridge’s commission virtually sets him up as an uncrowned king, ruling without a Parliament. His appointment, which is for a period of three months, hut which may he extended, if found necessary, carries with it a salary of £9OO per annum, together with the special held allowance for colonels of 2os a day. Colonel Pethehridge’s appointment has met with the general approval of the military authorities, to w*hom In’s tact and diplomacy are well-known. No doubt he will have to handle many delicate situations. He lias had considerable experience among the islands of the Pacific and Northern Queensland, which should prove of great value in his new position. Melbourne, Friday.—lt is understood to be the intention of the Federal Government to appoint a second Australian Commissioner in the Pacific. It is believed that the second appointment will he to the -territory which was seized by the Australian Expeditionary Force in New Guinea. Mr Atlee Hunt, Secretary to the Department for External Affairs, is said to have been selected for the post, and he is expected to leave Melbourne in about a fortnight.